The acronym “HTTP” stands for hypertext transfer protocol and appears at the front of every Internet address. HTTP is the method that browsers use to communicate with servers on the Internet, allowing computers to communicate with each other over different networks.

Tim Berners-Lee invented HTTP, as well as HTML and URL protocols. An “S” is sometimes added to the end of HTTP if personal information is required from the user. The “S” stands for “Secure Sockets Layer,” a form of encryption designed to protect personal information. All websites have a security certificate that must be kept up to date; if this requirement is not met, the HTTP shows in red with a line through it.